I will be in Iceland from November 20-28. I have read that the average temp is 0-4 celcius which is not too cold for this Canadian, but there can be windchill, and also rain. I am torn between a)my heavier winter coat -- which is a pain to schlep around in airports, and too hot if it is really 4 degrees, or b) many layers: long underwear, turtleneck, fleece, light puffer jacket, and a heavy Goretex overtop if it's wet. Which is the better choice?
Posted by
Upstate NY
269 posts
Welcome to the forum. I've been to Iceland several times in the winter, and option B, using many layers, is definitely the way to go. You'll want something to prevent you from getting wet, so if you have a pair of waterproof pants, I'd throw those in as well. I'm in Upstate NY, and have always found the weather in Iceland warmer than what I leave at home in the winter. It's the rain and wind that are the major concerns for me.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2040 posts
I agree 100%. We have also been in the winter a few times and layers are so much better than one heavy piece. Rain pants that you can pull on over your regular pants are a must. Get the kind that unzip at the bottom so you don't have to take your boots off to get them on. Make sure you have waterproof not just water resistant, for your jacket as well. Hand warmers are a must as well. My husband uses toe warmers, but puts them in his beanie to keep his head warm;) It does work, lol!
Posted by
Western Canada
3123 posts
I’m from Canada too, and went to Iceland in early December couple of years ago.
The temps were comparable to home, but the wind was fierce.
I’m not small, but sometimes found it difficult to keep upright!
Take a wind and waterproof jacket.
A good hat that won’t blow off…….think of the ones that have earflaps that tie under your chin.
A warm neck gaiter or scarf.
Waterproof gloves.
Silk or Merino long underwear….it weighs nothing.
Warm Merino socks.
Rain pants that can go over your other leg layers and will also block wind.
Shoes or boots that are waterproof and have good grippy treads in case you have ice or snow underfoot…..I took walking boots with Vibram soles.
I took all those items and wore them all.
I looked like a Michelin Man, but I was cosy.
Again, it’s the wind you have to prepare for.
Lastly…..plenty of money!
It’s not a cheap place for eating and drinking.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2413 posts
As mentioned, make sure your hat will stay on in a strong wind. My Tilley barely stayed on
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2355 posts
Definitely option B. And everything waterproof, not water resistant that simply won't help you. Rain pants essential. For sure a hat that won't fly off or use a ear muff/band (I did this instead of a hat - used my raincoat hood over top if it was raining). Depending on where you are visiting and weather conditions, there are a few spots where crampons or YakTrax would have been essential. Some of the waterfall viewing areas had signs indicating they were required on the metal stairs (it wasn't snowing when I was there).